Democrats and Republicans on Monday continued negotiations over a massive stimulus funding package that failed to get enough votes in a key Senate procedural tally Sunday evening.
The measure, however, again failed a key procedural vote in the Senate on Monday afternoon, after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned a deal would not pass until Republicans agreed to key changes. He said that negotiations would continue even while the Senate took the procedural vote.
Senate Democrats have criticized the $500 billion fund that the Republican proposal sets aside for distressed businesses, calling it a bailout fund “with no strings attached.” Democrats are also seeking enhanced unemployment measures and protections for workers. GOP lawmakers slammed Democrats for seeking climate provisions within the measure, as well. House Speaker Nancy Pelosifloated her own proposal for a stimulus bill Monday.
Schumer, nonetheless, said the two parties had come to certain agreements about revisions to the Republicans’ bill, including adding more unemployment protections and adding more money to hospitals. He said the Democrats are “fighting hard and making progress” on more funding for state and local governments.
McConnell threw aside his usually placid appearance as he tore into Senate Democrats for the second straight day on Monday, accusing them of filibustering a deal the country needs immediately.
When the second cloture vote failed to pass, as Schumer had warned, McConnell again accused Democrats of adding to their wish list, rather than focusing on getting a deal out fast.
More at CNBC.com.